Obituary of Barbara Jean Stracuzzi

Barbara Jean Stracuzzi, wife, mom, grandmother, sister, died at the age of 88 on September 22, 2022. A native-born Californian, she grew up in the San Jose area moving to the Monterey Peninsula with her family as a teenager in 1952. Her family owned Highland Cleaners in Seaside for more than 45 years where she met the love of her life Paul Stracuzzi. She worked in the family business for 44 years. Rather than retiring, in 1996 she went to work for her son Jim, owner of J & M Moving and Storage, where she was greatly admired by all the staff, customers and members of the industry. She retired in 2020 at age 85.

Barbara remained active throughout her life. In addition to work,  she was a member of the Monterey chapter of Beta Sigma Phi and the Italian Catholic Federation (ICF). Earlier in life she enjoyed bowling, camping and water skiing and later, traveling the world with her sister and friends. She was a die-hard San Francisco Giants and Forty Niners fan and rarely missed a game. Above all, her most treasured times were spent dancing with her beloved husband Paul.

Barbara was a proud mother and grandmother. She loved spending good times with her family, and they have endless, cherished memories of family vacations, dinners, celebrations and holidays with her. She was her grandkids number one fan. From San Francisco to Monterey to Carmel Valley she was a fixture at their endless sports games, music and vocal concerts, plays, dance recitals, graduations and weddings.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Paul Stracuzzi, her brother Jack Baron and her parents Jack and Helen Baron. She is survived by her daughters Paulette Stracuzzi (Don House), Gail Stracuzzi (Darrow Sellers) and son Jim Stracuzzi (Diane); Grandsons Christopher Stracuzzi (Kim), Paul Stracuzzi and granddaughters Jourdan Stracuzzi-House (Chris Hansen) and Jamie Stracuzzi Ditmore (Henry) and her sister Pat Goss.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.